English 2810      

Spring 2002

Ruth Conry: Office WSGC 309                                                       Internet class

(423) 798-7943

 ruth.conry.spe@wscc.cc.tn.us - email address

http://vc.wscc.cc.tn.us -Web adress

5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday Nights.  Meeting on January 10, 2002, and May 2, 2002.

Required Texts and Materials:

The College Handbook of Creative Writing, 3rd edition.

Creative Writing Folder.

Catalog Description: An introduction to the practice of writing short fiction and poetry combined with the study of techniques and models.

Prerequisites: College entrance level for English.

Objectives:

·        To encourage invention and imagination in writing.

·        To develop fundamental definitions and concepts required for creating poetry and fiction.

·        To sharpen editorial and evaluation skills.

·        To provide constructive and objective evaluation of student writing.

Instructional Methods:

·        Assigned readings that cover the basics of creating fiction and poetry.

·        Assigned exercises that prepare students for writing fiction and poetry.

·        Encouraged evaluation of student writing by peers.

·        Evaluation of student writing by instructor.

Grading Criteria:

1. Students must keep a copy of practice exercises and turn in a Creative Writing Folder.

2. Students are encouraged to participate in the editorial and evaluation process other students’ writing.

3. Students must assist in the formation of a personal contract with the instructor.

4. Students must attend the final exam.

5. Students must submit exercises or contract work on a weekly basis as described below. Unless, I hear from you weekly, you will be counted absent. You may have no more than 4 absences to pass the course.  Please feel free to drop by to review your work or to discuss any problems during my office hours, especially on Thursday evenings.

Procedure for Submitting Creative Exercises:

·        I will post assignments for the week each Monday during the weeks of January 10, 2002 and March 7, 2001.    Address: http://vc.wscc.cc.tn.us/Engl2810

·        All work must be submitted via Internet.

·        All work must be double-spaced and include your name, E-mail address and date.

·        A copy of your work must be placed in a Creative Writing Notebook and turned in during class on May 2, 2002.

·        Weekly Internet submissions must be completed and posted by midnight Wednesday during the weeks of January 10 through March 7, 2002.

Procedure for Submitting Work for Contract:

·        Contract must be established by March 7, 2002.

·        Contract must be completed by midnight April 24, 2002.

·        All work must be double-spaced with your name, E-mail address and date of submission.

·        Starting with the week of March 7, students must submit work weekly (before midnight on

·        Wednesdays.)

·        Continue working on your contract while you wait for evaluations by your instructor.

·        You may wish to E-mail your draft to your peers prior to submission.

·        Weekly submissions may be either improved drafts of previously submitted work or a draft of a new project, depending on your contract.

·        Mark drafts as "READY FOR CONTRACT" when you produce a final draft. I need to see the draft at least once before you submit it for contract.  I will either accept the draft or make suggestions.

Peer Evaluations:   Peer evaluations are encouraged.

Final Exam:

For the final exam, you will give an informal reading that will highlight your work this semester. (5:30-8:30 on May 2, 2002).

Final Grade:

• By March 7, students must assist in the formation of a personal contract with the instructor. Grades are determined on the basis of contract completion.
• Students must obtain an S on the Creative Writing Notebook, an S on the final exam, an S for attendance and work to complete a contract.
• Creative Writing Notebook:  S or U

Student Contract:

100% Complete = A

93-99%               = B

84-92%                = C

70-83%               = D

Final Exam: Highlighting semester writing on May 2, 2002.  (S or U.)

Attendance: (S or U)  (S = no more than 4 absences.)  If I do not hear from you each week by midnight on Wednesday, you will be counted absent.

Plagiarism:

The departmental policy on plagiarism is enforced.  Plagiarism, cribbing, or other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited. According to Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, plagiarism is "to steal and pass off as one’s own (the ideas or words of another); to pass off as one’s own an idea or product derived from an existing source."

Also, see Little, Brown, chapter 44.

Any student who plagiarizes will receive an F for the course.

Class Attendance:

All students are expected to attend class. Due to college requirements, the English faculty is required to keep accurate records and to report when students are missing class. Students must attend all three scheduled classes. Any week that you do not turn in work on-line (or in my office during office hours), I will report as an absence. You must attend all three classes, and you may not miss more than 4 weeks on-line.

Class and Assignment Dates:

January 10, 2002 :                   First Class (5:30-8:30).

January 2- March 7:               Creative Writing Exercises.

March 7:                                  Contract Established.

March 7-April 24:                    Contract in Progress.

April 24 (Midnight):                 Contract Completion Due.

May 2, 2002:                            Final Exam (5:30-8:30).

Note:  The Internet may be unavailable for use due technical services on an occasional weekend from 6:00 p.m. Saturday to noon on Sunday.  If you experience problems, try after noon on Sunday.   If you are still having problems, give me a phone call or come by my office during my office hours.